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For Lin Xian, peace had been hard to come by since the end of last year. His days were a mix of solving mysteries or running from the mysterious group known as the Seven Deadly Sins. Even the brief periods without immediate danger were filled with heart-stopping moments, thanks to Kevin Walker’s unsettling surprises.

But recently, things had been strangely quiet.

As he straightened up, Lin Xian picked up the fallen Rhine Cat plush from the floor—his company’s top-selling mascot. It was crucial to keep it in perfect condition. He dusted off the toy and set it back among its brethren on the table, each plush sporting a different costume and expression. Despite factories churning these out day and night, demand remained sky-high worldwide.

This mascot had held its appeal for over six centuries, a testament to its enduring charm in an ever-evolving world.

After repositioning the Rhine Cat, Lin Xian picked up a pen he had discarded in frustration earlier. Twirling it expertly, he propped his elbow on the table, lost in thought.

The puzzle pieces weren’t clicking together.

He had identified the old man from his fourth dream as Kevin Walker. Considering the younger Kevin had probably been aware of him since around 2023, what exactly was Kevin up to now?

Lin Xian was always on edge, prepared for any danger. Meanwhile, VV’s algorithms grew smarter by the day, and Liu Feng was relentlessly tracking space-time particles at the Guizhou Sky Eye facility.

Despite the recent calm, Lin Xian was anxious, anticipating breakthroughs from VV and Liu Feng. But Kevin Walker seemed to have disappeared without a trace.

Could VV’s theory be correct? That Kevin Walker, a genius in the hacking world, had breached his Bluetooth only to flaunt his skills and declare, “I see you”?

Lin Xian doubted it was that simple. Knowing now that Kevin was the mystery man, he couldn’t fathom that such a prominent figure in hacking had no ulterior motives.

Something significant was definitely brewing.

A strange sense felt by Lin Xian hinted at an impending event.

It was as if everyone and everything was poised, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves.

“What exactly…”

The pen in Lin Xian’s hand spun faster.

“What are we waiting for?”

….

Alxa Airport, Inner Mongolia

A white space shuttle gracefully descended, eventually easing to a smooth halt on the runway. Ground crew and specialized vehicles quickly surrounded it, prepping for post-flight procedures. When all was ready, the shuttle’s door swung open, and astronauts in full gear disembarked, heading straight into a medical vehicle.

“That was a perfect maiden flight,” remarked a woman clad in a brown coat and sunglasses, known as Yellow Finch, standing in the control tower.

She addressed the uniformed officer beside her, “This space shuttle completed a six-day low Earth orbit mission, and the test data couldn’t be better. Congratulations, Commander Zhang.”

Commander Zhang, a robust figure, removed his black goggles and offered a broad smile.

“Ms. Yellow Finch, we’re grateful for your kind words. We owe a lot to your support. Initially, when you requested to borrow the shuttle, we thought you’d start your plan sooner. Since you hadn’t, we went ahead with the scheduled test flight.”

“This outcome benefits you,” he continued, his eyes on Yellow Finch. “The flawless flight not only proves the shuttle’s capabilities but also ensures your confidence when you choose to use it. Thanks to modern tech, manual control is rarely needed, barring emergencies.”

“Rest assured, Ms. Yellow Finch, the state stands by its promise. We agreed to lend you the shuttle once, and we’ll uphold that commitment whenever you need it,” he affirmed.

Yellow Finch removed her sunglasses, revealing her striking blue eyes, which seemed to capture light and depth all at once. She gazed towards the towed shuttle.

“Thank you, Commander Zhang. Your trust honors me.”

The commander chuckled, “We owe you as well and look forward to expanding our collaboration.”

He then grew curious, “You’ve been mostly at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center since our last meeting in the capital, not venturing out much. Just curious, when do you plan to utilize the shuttle? You reserved it so early, yet haven’t initiated your plan. Is there an issue? We’re here to help if needed.”

Yellow Finch exhaled softly. “I hoped to launch my plan sooner too,” she admitted, turning towards the expansive road leading to the launch center. “But unfortunately… the one I’m waiting for hasn’t arrived yet.”

Commander Zhang chose not to probe further, instead offering a light smile. “It’s not good to be late, especially when it keeps a lady waiting.”

“It’s alright,” Yellow Finch replied, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “Better late than never.”

She then smiled faintly, looking down.

“After all, I’m accustomed to waiting for him.”

….

Rhine Company Building, Donghai

Zhao Ying Jun placed two elegant invitation cards on Lin Xian’s desk with a crisp flick of her wrist. The office, situated high in the Rhine Company Building, overlooked the bustling cityscape of Donghai.

“Chu Shan He is hosting the Scientific Charity Banquet the day after tomorrow,” she explained. “You went last year, but this year it’s a bit different. Usually, it’s held at the end of the year, but an overseas philanthropist who supports science initiatives here and in Donghai City specifically wanted to attend, so Chu Shan He moved it to just after New Year’s. It’s already mid-January.”

Lin Xian picked up the invitation, noting his name handwritten elegantly by Chu Shan He himself. Recognized now as a brave, innovative young man and named one of the top ten citizens, he had risen to become a full member of the Donghai Chamber of Commerce, which Chu Shan He chaired. Holding the formal invitation, Lin Xian felt a complex surge of emotions.

Reflecting on last year’s banquet, his first foray into such a high-society event had been daunting. He had felt awkward and out of place, attending merely as Zhao Ying Jun’s plus-one. In the grandeur of the hall, he was an unknown, a shadow lingering behind Zhao Ying Jun, shielding her from unwanted dance invitations.

Now, a year had transformed everything about his life, filled with highs and lows, gains and losses.

Half a month ago, on New Year’s Day—also the anniversary of Professor Xu Yun’s passing—Lin Xian had visited his grave. He brought along a bottle of wine and flowers, a tribute to his mentor, teacher, and friend. Standing before the tombstone, featuring a youthful, laughing photo of Xu Yun, Lin Xian was reminded of a moment from the professor’s graduation, in which Xu Yun was laughing alongside Ji Xin Shui.

He spoke to the grave, updating the late professor on Xu Yi Yi’s wellbeing, now under his and Zhao Ying Jun’s care. Nurses were assisting her with daily needs, and she now shared her space with Zheng Xiang Yue, which provided both women companionship.

“Professor Xu, you were right about humanity’s potential,” Lin Xian mused aloud. “The human trials for the hibernation pods have just concluded. Most of the side effects, aside from some memory loss, have been mitigated. The first batch of pods will be available for reservation this year. I’ve secured a spot for Xu Yi Yi at the Science Institute, thinking it might be best for her to start anew when she awakens, free from the burdens of her past.”

Pausing, he poured wine over Xu Yun’s grave, a nod to the professor’s fondness for the drink.

“Cheers, Professor,” he said softly, taking a final sip himself before placing the bottle next to the tombstone.

“I hope by next year, I can bring good news to you, to Tang Xin, and to everyone else who fought for this cause.”

As he stood, a cold wind swept through the cemetery, carrying whispers of life and loss. Despite the absence of snow, Donghai’s chill was penetrating.

….

Back in his office, Lin Xian found Zhao Ying Jun observing him thoughtfully, her silver earrings catching the light.

“Does it feel like everything’s changed in no time?” she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“You can tell?” Lin Xian chuckled, setting down the invitation. He recalled the expensive suit Zhao Ying Jun had gifted him for last year’s event when he was a mere unknown, unskilled newcomer.

Zhao Ying Jun smiled, a spark of pride in her eyes. “You could afford a more expensive, tailor-made one now. Last year, there wasn’t time for a custom fit, so you wore an off-the-rack suit we adjusted slightly.”

“No need,” Lin Xian replied with a smile. “I like that one.”

He then grinned at her, his confidence bolstered by the past year’s achievements. “This time, I’ll tighten my tie, don my armor, and wield my sword.”

Zhao Ying Jun laughed, covering her face with her hand. “I remember you saying that.”

“Of course,” Lin Xian replied, nodding towards her invitation. “Aren’t you taking yours?”

“We’ll go together,” she pointed out, nodding towards the calendar. “The day after tomorrow, Rhine and MX are holding their annual meeting. You’ll be there, right? All our VPs will be there. Brother Wang said you’d come.”

Lin Xian nodded affirmatively. “Brother Wang told me. I’ll definitely be there. But…”

He glanced at Zhao Ying Jun with a hint of concern. “After the meeting, Brother Wang wants me to speak to Rhine’s middle managers, lay out plans and goals for the new year. It might run long, so we might be late for the Scientific Charity Banquet.”

“No problem,” Zhao Ying Jun replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile unwavering. “I’ll wait for you.”